Authorities have registered a criminal case after allegations of theft involving donation funds at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with all eight accused now in police custody. According to officials, six of the accused were temple employees assigned to count cash offerings, while the remaining two were also linked to the alleged embezzlement.
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed on the complaint of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Sources said CCTV footage reportedly captured all eight individuals allegedly misappropriating donation money. The accused have been identified as Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Ramshankar Mishra, Ramashankar Yadav, Manish Yadav, Subhash Chandra Srivastava, and Karunesh Pandey.
Initial estimates suggest that between ₹7 crore and ₹7.5 crore in temple donations may be unaccounted for. The investigation is currently underway to determine the exact extent of the financial loss and identify any additional involvement.
The controversy first gained attention after the Samajwadi Party raised concerns over the alleged misuse of temple donations. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that crores of rupees had gone missing and called for a judicial probe, questioning the silence of both the temple trust and the government.
In response to the allegations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested the government to conduct an independent inquiry, stating that the investigation would help establish the facts and address claims circulating on social media that could damage the temple’s reputation and the faith of devotees.
The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The team submitted its preliminary findings earlier this week, with reports indicating that the document contains significant recommendations.
Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Temple Construction Committee, had earlier said the allegations had caused concern at the highest levels, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Senior BJP leaders also described the accusations as serious, while former BJP MP Vinay Katiyar said any irregularity involving temple donations must be thoroughly investigated given the sacrifices made during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Following the arrests, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Mohammad Azam said the action confirmed that theft had taken place and described it as a victory for Ram devotees. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details as the investigation remains ongoing.